The sun goes down and its golden rays spread over the calm water of the Venetian lagoon as we go on board of the boat “Il Doge“. Tonight Noemi and I take part in a trip to Venice: we join the guests of Camping Village Dei Fiori and Camping Mediterraneo to discover the wonders of the Serenissima and the islands with the light conditions at night and at dusk.

Together with Erica, chief animator of Dei Fiori, and Silvia, employee of the Info Point of Mediterraneo, we accompany the guests to the interior of the boat where we are welcomed with a small refreshment of biscuits, prosecco and sweet drinks. The boat is spacious and there is a wide choice: for those who want to be comfortable and sheltered there is the possibility to sit on the benches inside, while for those who want to enjoy the sea breeze and the last rays of sunshine of the day, there are seats outside. We decide to stay outdoors and while we have a sip of prosecco, we start immediately to tell today’s adventure through the Instagram stories.

In the meantime, we start the tour: the roar of the engine sets the water in motion and we cross the lagoon, while our guide begins to tell the peculiarities and history of the surrounding islands. We pass through Sant’Erasmo, famous for its excellent purple artichokes, Torcello, Lido and Giudecca, before landing in the famous Piazza San Marco. The view is spectacular: the sky is clear and the sunset now consists of warm shades that slowly change from the fiery red to the deep blue of the night.

The view of Piazza San Marco with the bell tower of the same name and the imposing Doge’s Palace is even more breathtaking from the boat than from the mainland. Leaving the Giudecca and Punta della Dogana behind us, we reach the Riva degli Schiavoni, one of the largest Venetian promenades, named after the merchants who came from Dalmatia, then known as Schiavonia. From here on we now have an hour and a half to go around Venice before getting back on our boat to return to the campsites. We decide to stay around the Piazza San Marco in order to not deviate too far from our meeting point and we stop for a moment to admire the Doge’s Palace. Suddenly we hear some music: it comes from the Florian, one of the oldest Italian cafes. Like every summer evening, an orchestra plays here on the open-air stage surrounded by tables and chairs, where friends and families are having conversations with a Spritz, the traditional Venetian aperitif. Tonight’s concert is a harmonious interplay of violins accompanied by a piano and they perform pieces by famous composers.

After an excursion to one of the most beautiful places in the world, it is already time to reach the boat again to return to the campsite. We are really lucky because during the trip back home we admire a fireworks display which is taking place on the beach of Cavallino: with this feeling of magic, fascination and timeless beauty, we leave the lagoon behind us in the light of the night.

Translation into English by Teresa Uhlig